Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Health Care Data Poses Opportunities, Dangers
The Washington Post: Preparing For The Next National Crisis — By Digging Through Insurance Claims
The Lewin Group, a health-care research consultancy based in Fairfax County, is looking for a managing consultant and health economist to help the federal government prepare for the next crisis. As a lead researcher with the firm’s national security and emergency preparedness practice, the new hire is to delve into insurance-claims data to help federal agencies learn more about the nation’s health-care system. Because Lewin is owned by UnitedHealth Group, one of the nation’s largest health insurers, the health economist will have access to troves of claims data not available to the public. (Gregg, 3/1)
ProPublica: Fines Remain Rare Even As Health Data Breaches Multiply
Federal health watchdogs say they are cracking down on organizations that don’t protect the privacy and security of patient records, but data suggests otherwise. (Ornstein, 2/27)
